Ankle op ends Glenn Stewart's Manly career

Ian McCullough

A day after long-standing prop Jason King announced his retirement, the club revealed South Sydney-bound back-rower Glenn Stewart had played his last NRL game in the maroon and white due to season-ending ankle surgery.

The news is a bitter blow to Stewart, who was hoping to run out for the final time at Brookvale Oval alongside King against Penrith on Sunday, then play a part in the Sea Eagles' finals campaign.

The 30-year-old hasn't played since injuring his ankle in April and suffering a relapse in his rehabilitation, forcing him to undergo surgery on Thursday.

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Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey admitted it was a huge blow to lose such a key player just before the finals and paid tribute to Stewart's contribution in helping the club win two grand finals since his debut in 2003.

"It's very disappointing for the club and for Glenn," Toovey said.

"He is a Clive Churchill Medal winner, played in grand finals ... an Australian player ... it would have been great to see him run out at Brookvale Oval again in the maroon and white."

Brother Brett said his elder sibling was 'shattered' by the news.

"He saw the surgeon yesterday and went under the knife today and, at this stage, that looks like that'll be him for the year," Stewart said.

"As a brother, knowing we may never ever get the chance to play together again ... it's been a tough week."

"I spoke to him last night. He is a bit shattered but he is a tough man."

Close friend Steve Matai also paid tribute to Glenn Stewart's role in a hugely successful decade for the club.

"It's real sad he won't get to put the jumper on again," Matai said.

"He's a big part of the culture here. We've been playing together for the last 10-11 years.

"He brings a lot to that (culture). He's a great ball player, a great defender and he'll be sadly missed."

Matai, who makes his 200th appearance for the club on Sunday, also wants out having requested a release from the final year of his contract to join the Warriors.

The Kiwi centre was reluctant to discuss his future on Thursday but conceded discussions were ongoing about him taking up a lucrative deal estimated to be worth $2.4 million with the Warriors.

"It's all up in the air at the moment - that's all I want to say," Matai said.

Brett Stewart has also requested a release, upset about his brother not being offered a deal by the club to finish his career at Brookvale.

The former NSW fullback has two years left on his current deal but is keen to link up with ex-coach Des Hasler at Canterbury, with strong rumours a deal between the two parties has already been agreed.

Stewart brushed away questions about his future but did nothing to suggest he wanted to remain at the club.

"At this point, I am still contracted with Manly - that is all I want to say," Stewart said.

NSW back-rower Anthony Watmough could also be leaving with the 30-year-old being granted permission to talk to other clubs.

Parramatta are believed to be interested in signing the Test star next season.